Draguć, Medieval settlement in Istria County, Croatia
Draguć is a small settlement in central Istria that sits on a hillside about 350 meters above sea level and is defined by stone and tile-roofed houses. The village is anchored by the Church of the Holy Cross, whose tower marks the center, with agricultural fields spread around it.
The name of this place records early medieval settlement that is documented through a donation from 1102. This document connects the settlement to larger power dynamics between local rulers and church institutions across the region.
The Church of the Holy Cross shapes the village with its distinctive architecture and shows how residents have used religious spaces across centuries. The Gothic details reflect the craftsmanship traditions that were common in this region.
The place is easiest to explore on foot, as the paths between houses are narrow and walkable at a comfortable pace. Visitors should expect simple facilities and wear sturdy shoes, as the paths on the hillside are paved with stone.
A small chapel in the village preserves old frescoes from the Renaissance period that show how local artists worked with Italian styles. These paintings are little known today, yet they are important for understanding art history in this region.
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